Salem Business Bloggers Network

Josh spent Friday at the kick-off meeting of a brand new group, the Salem Business Bloggers Network. It was organized by Margaret Oscilia (Creative Concepts and Contracting) and Victoria Linton (Lawyers Title in Salem).

This group was fantastic. Melina Tomson shared insights from what seemed to be a very deep well of knowledge on Wordpress.

This was mostly a group consisting of real estate professionals, but the information on blogging applies to many professions. Blogging is the new prospecting for clients.

For me (Josh) the exciting thing about social networking media is that it represents a whole new model of doing business. The old way is to advertise, advertise, advertise using expensive advertising sources such as print ads. The advertising media conglomerates largely controlled the show. They set the prices for ad space, and they could because they were the only game in town.

When it was the only game in town, consumers did benefit. If people wanted to buy a home, they'd go to the newspaper or real estate magazine to see what was available. Or they would go to a Realtor and have that person search the MLS for available homes.

But have you ever tried to get a great feel for a home for sale from a photo that is smaller than postage stamp size? When the Internet came along, suddenly you could search for homes where you could see big photos. You could get a good feeling for what was being sold.

Print real estate advertising has become, I believe, largely irrelevant. The writing is on the monitor.

Blogging is not only a great way to find new clients, but it is also a great way to nurture the relationships you already have. When you come to our blog or Facebook page you can see what we're up to. And it's interactive if you wish it to be. You can leave comments, send us emails, or give us a phone call.

Doing business is changing. Many of the social networking sites and services are free to use. Instead of a postage stamp photo of a house or your particular service, you can create a whole slide show. Not only do you benefit from all the gifts technology gives, but your clients benefit, too. They can get much more information than before and make better choices.

I was so happy to be a part of this group of bloggers. I am excited about the growth that's coming.